Buying 55ga, need filter help!

[vaindioux]

Hi


I am getting back in the hobby after a 10 years hiatus. I need help with buying the filter. I was going to buy a ready to go 20-30ga ready set up but I changed my mind.

I will be keeping more than likely only 2 larger fish, like a catfish and a large cichlid maybe, 2 large oddballs maybe. If /when they get too big I will upgrade tank size in the future.



I looked at the following:


HANG ON:

-Tetra whisper power filter 60
-Fluval C4
-Marineland penguin 350


CANISTER:
-Fluval 306
-Eheim classic 250
-Marineland magniflow 220


I understand that hang on filters might not be powerful enough for big fish.Or shall I go wet dry filter?


Big fish are messy, been there done that but I don't like guppy sized fish.


Thxs


Pat

 

[Tank20]

I have a Fluval C3 on a 20 gal and works great.
The C4 may be good, the 5 stage works well and really does a nice job.
The benefit of the 5 stages allows good bacteria to stay in the C-nodes.
just my opinion

 

[rlederer]

I'd highly recommend a sump (wet/dry) filter. They are expensive but do a fantastic job of cleaning and oxygenating the tank and providing a biological filter,are super easy to maintain, and quiet. But they do take up some space.

 

[vaindioux]

Where shall I buy one? I can't find much online beside dabay. I know how they work, I used to have one.


Thxs


Pat

 

[rlederer]

Amazon, Marine Depot, Aqua Cave, FishTanks Direct are some places. I think I got mine (I have 5) at Marine Depot.

 

[vaindioux]

Thanks so much that's very helpful.


Pat